Today marks week 10 of the road construction season. It was a pretty soggy time for everyone last week. Many of our paving contractors were still in the milling and grinding stage so most of the work continued despite the rain drops.

We start with Intersate 89 this week where three projects will affect traffic. Deck work on I-89 bridges in Swanton will close the right lanes first, then the left lanes. Speed is restricted to 50 mph in the work zones. I-89 in Waterbury has a paving project between exits 10 and 11. Drivers will have a speed reduction as well as a lane reduction in this work zone. Contractors are finishing the prep work in the southbound lanes from Richmond to Waterbury so motorists should expect to see work crews in this area starting on Monday. Please note we have maintained a reduced work zone and a modified work schedule to help ease the delays during morning commute. The third project on I-89 involves ledge scaling in Richmond in the southbound lane. This work zone requires a lane closure and a speed reduction. Drivers can expect delays during afternoon commuting hours. Please consider an alternate route if possible.

Interstate 91 has five work zones that will impact traffic this week. A bridge maintenance project on I-91 in Coventry will affect both the north and southbound lanes. Drivers should expect a reduction in speed and lane shifts in the work zone. A long paving project from Newbury to St. Johnsbury has traffic reduced to one lane with speed restrictions in place. Drivers may experience some delays during morning commuting hours. Bridge work on I-91 in Windsor has southbound traffic crossing over to the northbound bridge during this phase of construction. Further south on I-91 crews will be working on bridge replacement projects over Vermont Route 30. Motorists will find lane reduction as well as speed reductions. Then in Brattleboro both the north and southbound lanes of I-91 will have lengthy paving projects going on. Motorists should plan for delays in and around these project areas.

In the northern part of the state, Vermont Route 242 in Westfield will be closed occasionally while contractors replace two culverts. Drivers are advised to expect delays in these work zones.

Vermont Route 108 in Cambridge has three projects going on. A bridge replacement project on Vermont Route 15 has a temporary bridge in place that keeps traffic flowing. Meanwhile a roundabout installation at the intersection of Routes 108 and 15 has created short delays during commuting hours. On Route 108 a paving project between Cambridge and Bakersfield will require lane reductions and reduced speed limits. Drivers should expect delays in and around this work zone.

Vermont Route 102 in Maidstone has a slope stabilization project going on that will cause an occasional lane closure.

In the Capital City, crews will be working in two work zones, Taylor Street and School Street. Work crews are expected to start work on State Street at about midweek.

Vermont Route 100 between Waitsfield and Warren has a paving project that extends over eight miles. Delays should be expected during commuting hours.

Vermont Route 12 in Northfield has work crews finishing up their paving project. One way alternating traffic may continue into the midweek.

Route 12 in Randolph has crews working on the final stages of that paving project. Work crews are preparing the road for the final wearing course of pavement. Drivers should expect alternating single-lane traffic and delays in this work zone.

Route 12 in Bethel has work crews working on sign replacement. Short delays have been reported.

Vermont routes 25 and 25B in Bradford have paving projects that include cold planing and resurfacing of the roadways. Motorists should expect delays in and around these projects.

Route 117 (River Road) in Essex has a project that includes the installation of a new traffic signal and left turn lane at the intersection. Drivers will find minor traffic delays in this area.

Vermont Route 116 in Hinesburg has a paving project that includes guardrail and excavation work that will take place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. most days.

Vermont Route 100A in Plymouth has a bridge project that includes related roadway work. No delays are expected.

Remember to focus on safety when driving through a work zone. Put the cell phone down and drive carefully. Happy motoring.

Brent H. Curtis is the public outreach coordinator for the Vermont Agency of Transportation.